‘Killer’ caught on beach by police patrolling to enforce social distancing

An accused killer is now behind bars after he was arrested on a beach by officers enforcing social distancing guidelines because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Mario Gatti, 30, was taken into custody in Jacksonville, Florida on Sunday by police who found him during a check to see if beachgoers were complying with the recent restrictions laid out by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

Gatti was wanted by authorities for allegedly shooting 33-year-old Michael Coover Jr dead while he was cooking dinner in his home in Arnold, Pennsylvania in January.

The Jacksonville Police Department said they found Gatti loitering in the dunes on the beach and we was arrested without incident.

Gatti was booked at the Duval County Jail as a fugitive from justice and was also charged with giving false information to police and possession of a drug without prescription, according to police.

Governor DeSantis opened up the state’s beaches on Friday while imposing additional social distancing rules, despite criticism that the move comes too early amid the Covid-19 crisis.

Jacksonville beaches opened up Friday afternoon with restrictive hours to be used for walking, biking, hiking, fishing, running, swimming, taking care of pets and surfing.

In a video announcing the openings, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny CurryJacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry said: ‘Folks, this could be the beginning of the pathway back to normal life, but please respect and follow these limitations We’ll get back to life as we know it, but we must be patient.’

Governor DeSantis said he understood beachgoers wanted to go out for some exercise and fresh air, but urged them to, ‘do it in a good way. Do it in a safe way’